Annabelle

5/5 Incredibly unique in writing style, form, and plot. Tells history in an intimate way, making the reader feel a deeper connection and emotional reaction to it. This book is so human, like a friend.

5/5 Excellent romance, the best I’ve ever read. Not only romance, but deep love! The writing style is elegant and fits this retelling very well.

5/5 Great for people who love a really detailed book. Intricately crafted universe and drama, filled with mystery and intrigue!

5/5 My favorite book. Captures perfectly many aspects of mental illness, though unfortunately to the greatest extent of misery. There is pain on every page, but the epilogue gives you a new perspective that makes you rethink the whole thing. You pity Yozo, but in that pity, you can be kinder to yourself.

5/5 (tw rape and sa) really good critique of purity culture and taboo around female sexuality, though still manages to have really camp dark humor

5/5 slow for most of the book, though not boring, and it pays off for the ending. The entire book sets up a life just to show you it was lived - to showcase humanity and loss.